Curriculum

The curriculum at Liskeard is designed to meet the needs of all students. The school satisfies the requirements of the National Curriculum and provides additional subjects and opportunities in all years. Our aim is to provide a broad, balanced curriculum through lessons adjusted to the age and ability range of the students. We are very keen that students develop the skills, attitudes, knowledge and understanding needed to open up future opportunities. We support young people so that they learn how to learn and become independent learners.

Each student is taught by a range of experienced and high quality subject specialists. As a relatively large school, we are able to offer a large number of subjects to examination level. Lessons are structured so that there is a variety of activity appealing to different learning styles. Students learn individually, in pairs, in groups and as a whole class. Students carry out investigations and experiments, they research, they design, make, test and evaluate, they read, write, speak and listen. Staff explain to students the relevance of activities – they ‘paint the big picture’ – they make learning objectives clear and help students to appreciate when learning has taken place. As success is highlighted, confidence grows and the pace of progress speeds up.

a) Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, and 9)

The curriculum is deliberately broad and balanced to provide pupils with the opportunity to experience a range of subjects, enabling them to develop their talents and try out new skills. In addition, some subjects begin their GCSE courses during Year 9. Throughout the key stage, schemes of learning focus on the development of personal learning and thinking skills. At the end of the year, key stage 3 pupils have a Challenge Week which provides opportunities to learn new skills beyond the usual classroom lesson structure. Examples of challenges might include:

Learning to kayak or surf;

Orienteering and camping on Dartmoor;

Creating a play in a week, etc.

b) Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)All students follow a core curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science, PE, RE and PSCHE (Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education). Beyond this, there is a choice of three pathways: baccalaureate, central and occupational skills. On each pathway there is a choice of GCSE’s as well as a range of vocational subjects. The number of GCSE courses taken can vary between 5 and 12 depending on student performance and need. All students take part in at least one week of work experience in Year 10. The curriculum is sometimes further adapted for pupils with particular needs in consultation with parents.

c) Sixth FormWe provide a varied and highly successful sixth form curriculum offering both vocational and academic pathways. Details are provided in a separate Sixth Form prospectus which is available from Mrs. Chris Day, Sixth Form secretary.

Links

Liskeard School & Community College is a member of SMART (South East Cornwall Multi Academy Regional Trust). SMART is an exempt charity and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales with company number 7542166. The registered office is at saltash.net Community School, Wearde Road, Saltash, Cornwall. PL12 4AY. Tel: 01752 843715.